Cork firms’ digital skills take off

Pádraig Hoare

Cork Airport’s use of social media and digital channels saw it declared the overall 2018 Cork Digital Marketing Champion at the Cork Chamber Skillnet Digital Marketing Awards.

The Irish Examiner-partnered awards drew more than 250 leading digital and social media marketing experts to Rochestown Park Hotel, where 18 awards were given out across a range of categories. All forms of digital marketing were feted, including website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, while the best use of digital marketing to showcase Cork and the best use of digital marketing for the greater good were also celebrated.

Cork Chamber vice-president Paula Cogan said:

Cork Chamber’s mission is to make Cork the best place for business, and it is clear from these awards that Cork companies are driving a thriving digital economy and changing how we do business locally, regionally, and nationally

Seamus White of Granite Digital, overall sponsor of the awards, said digital marketing is an essential ingredient in the success of any business. “An awards programme like this recognises creativity and innovation, ensuring that the natural competitiveness of Cork businesses is rewarded.”

Who will be our lucky winners tonight? 🥇🏆 #digitalcork2018 pic.twitter.com/416p1rgKg5

— Cork Chamber Skillnet (@corkskillnet) September 28, 2018

Aoife Dunne, Cork Chamber Skillnet training manager, said the standards are rocketing every year, “sending a serious signal about how great and creative Cork companies are in the digital space”.

List of winners

Best Website – New Business: Procuro Therapy Clinic

Best Website – Small Business: Elite Pilates

Best Website – Medium Business: StatSols

Best Website – Large Business: Ronan Daly Jermyn

Best E-Commerce Website: Imperial Hotel

Best Use of Instagram – 30 or less employees: Yay Cork

Best Use of Instagram – 30 or more employees: Cork Airport

Best Use of Twitter – 20 or less employees: Pairc Uí Chaoimh

Best Use of Twitter – 20 or more employees: Cork Airport

Best Use of Video – less than 30 employees: Finbarr Galvin/Like Communications

Best Use of Video – 30 or more employees: Laya Healthcare

Best Use of Facebook – New Business: Fota Island Adventure

Best Use of Facebook – Small Business: D&D Detailing

Best Use of Facebook – Medium Business: Glavloc Build Systems

Best Use of Facebook – Large Business: Cork City Fire Brigade

Best Digital Marketing Campaign: Black Dog Bar & Nightclub

Best Use of Digital Marketing to Showcase Cork: EazyCity

Best Use of Digital Marketing for the Greater Good: Himalaya Yoga